Posted on 41,213 Comments on Access to Healthcare for Immigrants

Access to Healthcare for Immigrants

Access to healthcare can be determined by several factors (i.e. geographical location, income, insurance)–being an immigrant, especially a recent immigrant to the U.S., is one of these factors. In Albany, NY, the immigrant population has grown over the past few years and currently, 13.2% of the population consists of individuals that were not born in the U.S. (1). Coming to a new country presents many unique challenges, but access to healthcare is one that can prevent individuals from adjusting well and living a safe and healthy lifestyle.

Health Insurance

Due to their lack of citizenship after first moving to the U.S., health insurance options can be limited for immigrants, especially for undocumented immigrants (2). This limits access to many providers who only accept patients with insurance, and while undocumented immigrants can sometimes receive care from community health centers, this care is often only basic primary care or to be used in emergencies (2).

In New York state, all children can receive the Child Health Plus plan, regardless of their immigration status. This plan is comprehensive and includes preventative care, well-child visits, and emergency services (3). Additionally, pregnant women can receive Medicaid regardless of immigration status and some documented immigrants may qualify for the Essential Plan soon after they move to NY (2). However, if an individual does not fit into these categories, the only services that an undocumented immigrant may receive are emergency services (2). While this is beneficial, it leaves out the preventative care and services that can treat symptoms before they worsen beyond control.

Translation Services & Health Literacy

Many immigrant families, especially when they first immigrate to the U.S., are considered to have low English proficiency (LEP). This makes communication in healthcare settings a challenge and can be a barrier to receiving quality care, as the patient and provider cannot have a direct, fluid conversation. Some health care settings in New York have put up this ‘Language Identification Tool Poster’ that allows patients to point to their language, so that appropriate translation services may be provided.  A portion of the poster is shown below, with a link to the full poster here:

While resources such as this poster can help, patients and providers would still not be able to speak directly to each other, and would only be able to communicate through a translator.

Additionally, understanding health insurance options can also be difficult when there is a language barrier, as there are different requirements for each plan. A search engine can be found here for in-person help. This search engine consists of a directory of in-person helpers that can assist individuals in navigating the health system and health insurance plans specifically. While only eight languages are supported, including English, this service can benefit some individuals in understanding how to receive health services for themselves and their families.

COVID-19

With the current pandemic, language barriers present a unique challenge in being able to transmit public health information clearly to the general population. As immigrants make up a large portion of the population, it is essential that they understand basic information about the virus and are able to practice appropriate measures to limit the spread of the virus. Valleywise Health Medical Center in Arizona has made a series of videos available on Youtube that describe what COVID-19 is and what to do if you are sick. These videos have been made available in 12 languages, one of which can be played below.

These videos can be incredibly helpful for individuals that may not understand what is happening in their local communities as a result the virus, but coming across these videos may not be common for many immigrants, as they require some searching. It would therefore be helpful for similar resources and information to be sent to or made available to local communities, either in the style of videos or in pamphlet form.

While many resources exist to help immigrants navigate the healthcare system and obtain information about resources, these resources are not always used or made readily available to immigrant families. Many require searching and prior knowledge about websites and organizations that usually provide public health, insurance, and language services. In the future, it would be important to ensure that immigrants are aware of the resources that exist so that they can have access to the healthcare that they might need. What are some ways this could be done?

41,213 thoughts on “Access to Healthcare for Immigrants”

  1. Sejarah panjangnya yang dimulai sejak tahun 1968 telah membuktikan reputasinya sebagai permainan yang adil, transparan, dan terpercaya Mega168

    Reply

  8. superjp88 slot machines that offer various interesting themes and features ,and present the concept of the king of slots to all today best gacor games , easy maxwin.
    SUPERJP88

    Reply

  9. Superjp88 slot machines that offer various interesting themes and feature, and prensent the concept of the king of slots to all today’s best gacor games..thanks for shared this with us.
    SUPERJP88

    Reply

  10. This is often at the same time a good present that many of us seriously enjoyed browsing. It’s not at all on a daily basis which i provide the likeliness to check something. Alpha Bites

    Reply

  11. Hello, I have browsed most of your posts. This post is probably where I got the most useful information for my research. Really i am impressed from this post….the person who create this post it was a great human..thanks for shared this with us.
    SUPERJP88

    Reply

  12. When it comes to finding the top recruitment agency in Pakistan for Qatar, Sony Manpower stands out as a leader. For over a decade, it has provided specialized recruitment services, connecting skilled Pakistani workers with prestigious employers in Qatar. Whether it’s for the oil and gas industry, construction, healthcare, or hospitality, Sony Manpower has established itself as the go-to recruitment agency in Pakistan for Qatar.

    recruitment agencies in Pakistan for Qata

    Reply

  13. This is often at the same time a good present that many of us seriously enjoyed browsing. It’s not at all on a daily basis which i provide the likeliness to check something. Dht Blocker

    Reply

  14. This is why it is far better that you simply applicable investigating well before building. You can actually design more effective share in such a manner. Coffee Loophole

    Reply

  15. Such a appears to be fully very best. Each one of these very little facts usually are constructed combined with many qualifications facts. I prefer of which a whole bunch. Fitspresso

    Reply

  17. Aldana Consultancy offers exceptional PhD writing services tailored to your needs. Our team of experts is here to support you at every stage of your research journey. Don’t let the pressure overwhelm you—book now to get started on achieving your academic goals. For personalized assistance and more information, contact us today! Your success is our priority.

    Reply

  18. Thanks for this web site post and discussing your own results together with us. Very well performed! I think a lot of people find it difficult to understand paying attention to several controversial things associated with this topic, but your own results talk for themselves. I think a number of additional takeaways are the importance of following each of the suggestions you presented in this article and being prepared to be ultra distinct about which one could really work for you greatest. Nice job. thabet2.nl

    Reply

  20. Good day I am so glad I found your web site, I really found you by mistake, while I was looking on Aol for something else, Regardless I am here now and would just like to say thank you for a fantastic post and a all round enjoyable blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t have time to browse it all at the moment but I have book-marked it and also added your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read a great deal more, Please do keep up the awesome work. trang chủ ko66

    Reply

  21. Hey! I simply wish to give a huge thumbs up for the great info you’ve gotten here on this post. I can be coming back to your weblog for extra soon. trang chủ ko66

    Reply

  22. impressing players with a wide selection of games, huge bonuses, and top-notch security, ensuring a great and safe online gaming experience. Therefore, if you want to know more information, you can visit our website https://haidaosheji.com

    Reply

  23. This is often at the same time a good present that many of us seriously enjoyed browsing. It’s not at all on a daily basis which i provide the likeliness to check something. THE GENIUS WAVE

    Reply

  24. Thanks for an interesting blog. What else may I get that sort of info written in such a perfect approach? I have an undertaking that I am just now operating on, and I have been on the lookout for such info. ko66

    Reply

  26. That are unquestionably superb. The majority of tiny specs are fashioned owning lot of track record competence. I’m just seeking to it again quite a lot. https://ko66a.cam

    Reply

  27. PP777 singkatan dari “slot gelap”, telah menjadi bagian tak terpisahkan dari budaya perjudian di Indonesia selama beberapa dekade

    Reply

  30. The entertainment landscape is shifting rapidly, with IPTV positioning itself as a frontrunner in delivering flexible and diverse content options. If you seek the best iptv service, IPTVino is the perfect choice, offering an extensive channel lineup, high-quality streaming, and exceptional customer service.

    Reply

  36. That is why selling advertising campaigns marketing so that you could invaluable explore previous advertisment. Quite simply to jot down stronger set that fit this description. https://ko66a.cloud

    Reply

  38. w11bet Sejarah panjangnya yang dimulai sejak tahun 1968 telah membuktikan reputasinya sebagai permainan yang adil, transparan, dan terpercaya

    Reply

  39. I absolutely agree with everything you have explained. In reality, I browsed throughout your additional content articles and I do think that you’re completely correct. Great job with this website. trang chủ i9bet

    Reply

  42. Really it is very useful post and that i choose to read these techniques and in addition I will be having a go and many thanks sharing such kind of techniques please ensure that it stays sharing. trang chủ i9bet

    Reply

  44. Wow! This could be one particular of the most helpful blogs We have ever arrive across on this subject. Basically Magnificent. I am also a specialist in this topic therefore I can understand your effort. ko66

    Reply

  45. I’d must talk with you here. Which isn’t some thing I usually do! I love to reading an article which will make people feel. Also, thank you allowing me to comment! ko66

    Reply

  46. It truly is moreover a great write-up which i undoubtedly relished reviewing. It may not be specifically day-to-day which i build an opportunity to get whatever. Boostaro

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *